(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The holiday return season is in full swing, and while we can’t help you explain to your loved ones why you’re returning that adorable sweater they bought you, we can provide a helpful rundown on how to make those Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco returns as seamless as possible.
Some tips are pretty universal: Do your best to bring some proof of purchase, whether it's a receipt or the credit card used to make the purchase. More and more stores are requiring the original packaging, as well, and it’s always a good idea to bring your ID, just in case.
But the most important thing is to know each retailer’s return policy — specifically, the holiday return policies, which often can carry their own separate rules and deadlines. That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find return policy explainers for several of the biggest retailers.
What is Amazon’s holiday return policy?
Although Amazon allows most items purchased and shipped from Amazon.com to be returned within 30 days of delivery, the tech giant has announced an extended return window for the 2023 holiday season. It allows most items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 to be returned through Jan. 31, 2024. One key exception: Apple products can only be returned until Jan. 15, 2024.
Most Amazon purchases can be dropped off for free at UPS, Staples, Whole Foods, Kohl’s and Amazon hub lockers. If you don’t have the receipt, Amazon will accept the 17-digit order number — which is something the gifter should have. Read the full policy here.
What is Walmart’s holiday return policy?
Walmart usually gives customers anywhere from 30 – 90 days to return its items, but for the holidays, Walmart will allow most purchases made between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 to be returned through Jan. 31, 2024.
A receipt or online proof of purchase is required, and all returns can be made at Walmart stores. Walmart+ customers, though, can also make their return from the comfort of their home with Walmart+ InHome pickup. The full policy can be found here.
What is Target’s holiday return policy?
Target will provide a full refund for most unopened products within 90 days, while Target RedCard holders get 120 days to make their returns. Target’s official policy says the items need to be in new condition.
For the holidays, though, non-Apple electronic or entertainment devices bought between Oct. 1 and Christmas Eve must be returned by Jan. 24, 2024. Apple products have a shorter return window and must be brought back by Jan. 9, 2024. Find the full policy here.
What is Costco’s return policy?
Costco’s return policy is unchanged during the holidays, but it’s worth reviewing what makes this return policy so outrageously consumer friendly. Off the top, members don’t need a receipt to make a return. That’s because Costco tracks a member’s purchases on their account, so all you’ll need to make a return is your membership number.
For many items, there is no time limit, nor is there a requirement that an item has to be in a certain condition in order to be accepted by Costco’s return team. You don’t even need the original packaging. The most common exception likely pertains to electronics, which must be returned within 90 days of the purchase. The full policy can be found here.
What is Macy’s holiday return policy?
Any Macy’s purchases made on or after Oct. 2 may be returned until Jan. 31, 2024. Although items purchased in a store must be returned to a physical store, it’s worth noting that online buys may be returned to a physical location, as well. That’s good to know, because shoppers who aren’t Star Reward members would otherwise have to pay $9.99 for return shipping.
Macy’s policy states that returned items must be in their original, saleable condition with original tags. Shipping and delivery charges are non-refundable. Find the full policy here.
What is Kohl’s holiday return policy?
As far as return policies go, Kohl’s is pretty friendly. Holiday shoppers can return any purchase made after Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2024 — with or without a receipt. If it’s the latter, Kohl’s will provide a refund based on the lowest discounted 13-week sale price, or they’ll offer an even exchange.
Read the full policy here.
What is Best Buy’s holiday return policy?
Best Buy’s return policy gets a significant upgrade during the holidays, depending on when you made your purchase.
Usually, Best Buy provides shoppers with a range of 15 – 60 days to return items, but during the holidays, Best Buy allows customers to return items bought between Oct. 27 and Dec. 30 to be returned Jan. 13, 2024. The full policy can be found here.
What is Sam’s Club’s return policy?
Like Costco, Sam’s Club doesn’t alter its return policy for the holidays. That’s not a problem, though, given that it’s already quite consumer-friendly. Most items can be returned at any time, with or without a receipt. It doesn’t even matter if the item has been opened — just be sure to bring back the packaging. The final word falls to each store manager.
Some items do have a time limit, though. Electronics and major appliances must be returned within 90 days; commercial heavy equipment and motorsports items must be returned within 30 days; and cell phones must be returned within 14 days. Find the full policy here.
What is Lululemon’s holiday return policy?
With Lululemon’s extended holiday return policy, shoppers who bought items between Oct. 16 and Christmas Eve have until Jan. 23, 2024 to make their return or exchange.
The company said any merchandise must be unused and unworn with the original tags attached. Shoes can be worn but must be in the box, and a proof of payment must be presented to the register. The full policy can be found here.
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